Registry: Target Gift Cards a way to get what I really want??

Do they allow you to buy other gift cards with a gift card? I'd say if you only register for one thing and then a bunch of gift cards, you will still get cash from some, some gift cards, and then those who really want to buy you an actual gift will give you gifts they think you'd like rather than what you might really want. Perhaps take the time to create a small registry with a handful of items you really want/could use. You could post on your wedding website that you are registered at Target, but that you are also trying to save up for a house, for example, and say that any amount is appreciated towards that goal.

What were you planning to buy with the gift cards? I would create a small registry of that stuff, and leave off the gift cards. I feel like registering for gift cards is the same as registering for cash. Just IMO.

So basically what Lisa Marie said!

Another idea for you...do you have a Macy's credit card? If you get gifts you don't like there, you can return them to your credit card, get the credit on your card and then call them and get a check. We are going to register for a couple of things we need (and a couple of things we can upgrade.) People will get the idea that cash is king!!

Yes you can buy other gift cards with a Target gift card

Registering for gift cards is the same as asking for money...IMO, tacky

How is it tacky to register for a gift card?? It's an option in the registry.

What if you are moving into a new house after the wedding and don't know exactly what you want yet??

Isn't asking for a gift card easier on the giver as well??

Does target have a policy in which you can return your gifts for credit? You will always need something from target, so I say make a registry of gifts then return them afterwards. I agree with Mrs. Clark, asking for gift cards is tacky. You may as well just put "no boxed gifts" on your invitations.

@Diana - That seems like a lot to go through just to get a credit lol

You can but at least in my family I have two people

A) those who will just give you cash anyway

B)those that have to give you a physical gift. They don't do gift cards.

You can list the gift cards but I would still put a few items on the registry. People such as myself still view giftcards like cash.

Well said Carrie....I might add a few more things

First off I think it's rude to think you're getting gifts in the first place. Yes in most cases a guest will bring something but I'd never expect anything. And I think asking for 1 or 2 things then all gift cards is basically screaming "We want cash and cash only!". I guess I'm just a b*tch when I think someone is being rude but i'd go to a completely different store and buy a physical gift for the couple. Not a bad gift but I would not be giving cash. Now if the couple has a real registry or none at all I give cash or cash and a small gift off the registry.

I agree with the majority in that I think it might come across a bit tacky to register for only gift cards. Don't get me wrong, gift cards are on our registry, but our registry is very full of tangable items. We wanted to include gift cards because even though a couple has registered for a gift, there are some instances when a gift card (or cash) is easier. i.e. if your guests are traveling and want to but cannot bring a gift, your guests shop late and your registry is picked over...etc.

Side note: I have been shopping for friends before who registered with various stores, but I was unable to find anything on their registry list in my price range (which irritated me). It would have been nice to know that a gift card was an option.

I just give cash to my friends that are getting married--Yes, it is presumptuous to assume you will be getting a gift..but I've never been to a wedding where I haven't given something that my budget will allow. I just don't get the fuss over money, etiquette with giving it, etc. I have a ton of European friends and it's the norm to give money--what is the big deal??

I think having a registry with nothing but gift cards is even tackier than asking for cash.

You can register for a few gift cards (I'd set it at $25- just register for 10 of them or soemthing). But have a real registry. EVERYONE can use new towels, dinnerware, etc.

If you want cash- let it be spread by word of mouth, from other people.

And I'm fairly certain you can't buy VISA gift cards with Target gift cards. And FYI- the VISA gift cards have a $5 fee- so you'd be losing money.

@Cyndi - everything you said at the end seems contradictory to what you were saying in the beginning...smh

Gifts are not a requirement, however, most people either send a gift beforehand, bring one with them to the wedding, or send one within the year. A registry is supposed to depict what the couple wants.

My problem is, I don't really know what I will want because the new house won't be done until after the wedding.

So I ask the question to see how to handle this aspect of the wedding planning process.

That being said...thanks Ashley... and Courtney...I might add some more things on there if I see anything I like that would be versatile.

@ Meghan - My FH and I just did it the other day. We traded a Target giftcard for an AMEX

Aren't there any other things you can upgrade that you will use no matter what your new home is like? Cookware, bakeware, dishes, glasses, flatware, good quality basic colored sheets/towels? Down comforters? Kitchen gadgets? Luggage? Camping gear?

Remember that just b/c a store makes something an option, does not mean it's a good idea. Target doesn't care about whether or not your family is offended. Target wants to sell as much stuff as possible. Know your crowd, but don't rely on Target to figure out if something is a tacky or not.

Also- something bothers me about the idea of registering for something that you plan to return or exchange for something else. It almost seems kind of like lying.

Yardiegirl - it totally makes sense that you are moving into a new house and aren't sure what you want yet. However, there are other ways to go about it. For one, there are going to be some essentials that will not change based on where you are living, like cookware and such. The other option is to put that on your wedding website just like you stated it here - that you are going to be moving and aren't sure what you will need/want yet. People will be happy to help you out! What I think people here are so offended by is that you would put one thing on your registry and then just gift cards. If I were a guest, I would be annoyed that I traveled to Target to check your registry and find out all you really want is money. I could have stayed home and wrote a check.

@Kris s. - Great suggestions!

I don't like the idea of registering for gift cards either. It doesn't make sense to me. And trading them in for AMEX cards just seems shady to me. If you're going to trade in the gift cards anyway..why not just create a small registry. People will catch on and most likely give cash.

Fyi target has a limit on how much you can return when you have a registry - it's like 300 dollars or something - this is problematic bc in my experience they are not the best about taking things off the registry when people do buy it. seems like people always get duplicates off the site. i'm not very traditional, but i think it's fine to register for a target gift card (along with other housewares). Perhaps on your wedding website you can mention your future plans of moving and excitement over getting to decorate once you get there.

This area of wedding planning is sooo touchy. It's like you can't be truthful without being crass or rude.

I wish that the gods of wedding planning would come up with an etiquette idea that is not based in the stone age and more current to the needs of modern brides.

Thanks Ladies....I think I'm just gonna have a very small registry of around 15 to 20 items and leave the gift card option...